Addyson Obaya

Aleigha Meisman in Avid II during collaborative study groups working with peers. Photo by Addyson Obaya

While AVID may seem challenging at times, it helps students build academic skills, develop college readiness and provides support to help students succeed. As students begin to question whether AVID is still worth their time, it is important to understand what the program actually provides. 

One major benefit of continuing the AVID pathway is that it helps students build essential academic skills, through focused note-taking, organization and time management strategies. According to Taylor & Francis Online, “Previous studies have reported AVID students have increased academic achievement and expect to enroll in advanced courses and reported the AVID elective course may increase organization skills, self-efficacy, and better study habits.” These essential skills help give students structure. Additionally, focused note-taking increases memorization skills.  Being organized with items and using an agenda keeps students’ minds collected with knowing where everything is and what they need to do next. Although some students claim it’s extra work or useless, these skills help enhance the knowledge and the habits needed to succeed in challenging courses in the future. 

While the pathway builds academic skills, it provides college readiness, as many students want to get into the class because of the strategies. AVID helps students understand how to apply for college, scholarships, what the requirements are and how to get financial aid. It also gives students time to research, tour and learn about different colleges and create essays for the future. This exposes students to the future and allows them to not feel overwhelmed but prepared. As According to AVID.org, “9 out of 10 AVID seniors in 2025 are college and career ready.” This is why students need AVID: They need to feel prepared for what’s coming ahead. Individuals who don’t take AVID struggle with applying to and understanding college and are not ready for what’s coming ahead. 

With that being said, the pathway has support systems to help students achieve their goals. According to Journal of Academic Language & Learning, “ALL support plays an important role in bridging these challenges by developing students’academic literacy skills, as well as building student confidence and self-efficacy.” By providing  CSG time, where students get into groups based on their lowest grade and work collaboratively, this helps students expand their knowledge on the particular subject. Study halls are given to students to get their work completed during class time. Additionally, AVID has a tutor to help students throughout the school year. Many students do not have this consistent support when navigating challenging coursework and planning for the future. Support helps students get through high school and become successful.

Therefore, continuing the AVID pathway strengthens learning strategies, prepares learners for college-level expectations and provides a reliable support system. Rather than seeing the pathway as extra work, it should be recognized as a chance for learners to be successful in the long run and make the future achievable.